Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University have discovered how the kidneys protect themselves from damaging inflammation. In mouse studies, they found that kidney podocyte cells produce the enzyme IDO in response to inflammation. Human kidney patients also exhibit high levels of the enzyme. Blocking IDO in experiments with mice led … Continue reading Study Shows How Kidneys Protect Themselves from Inflammation
New PKD Treatment Targets Kidney Blood Vessels
Researchers from the University of Manchester and University College London believe targeting the small blood vessels surrounding renal cysts could lead to a new treatment for polycystic kidney disease. They uncovered important abnormalities in the network of these blood vessels in mouse models of the most common form of PKD (ADPKD) and the rare form … Continue reading New PKD Treatment Targets Kidney Blood Vessels
Research Breakthrough in Fight Against Membranous Nephropathy
University of Manchester researchers have made a major breakthrough that could lead to two new treatments for membranous nephropathy or MN, a rare kidney disease in which the immune system attacks a protein found in the kidneys, causing thickening of the small blood vessels in the kidney, proteinuria, and sometimes kidney failure. The scientists discovered … Continue reading Research Breakthrough in Fight Against Membranous Nephropathy
Scientists Discover How Renalase Protects Kidneys, Heart
Yale School of Medicine researchers have uncovered how renalase, a protein produced by the kidneys, protects the cells of the kidneys and heart from injury. In 2005, Yale researchers discovered and named the protein, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure. Early research showed that patients with kidney disease had low blood levels of renalase. … Continue reading Scientists Discover How Renalase Protects Kidneys, Heart
Stem Cells and Anti-Scarring Protein May Help Heal Kidneys
A research team led by scientists from Monash University in Australia may have found the right combination to heal injured kidneys—adult stem cells and an anti-fibrotic protein called serelaxin. Neither therapy works as well when administered independently. Serelaxin appears to pave the way for healing by reducing scarring, creating conditions that allow the stem cells … Continue reading Stem Cells and Anti-Scarring Protein May Help Heal Kidneys
Researchers Identify Protein Key to Kidney Cell Repair
Researchers from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have discovered that MG53, a protein found in kidney cells, is essential to repair following acute kidney injury (AKI). Earlier studies at the university revealed the protein’s role in repairing cells in the heart, lung and skeletal muscle. The discovery points to new ways to treat and … Continue reading Researchers Identify Protein Key to Kidney Cell Repair